Biguglygremlin

Hi yawningjoe58

What help are you seeking and what answers do you want/need?

I felt pretty much the way you sound a few weeks back because everything was going wrong all at once and it was just too much to cope with.

It doesn't take major stuff, just a bunch of small things, to make life unbearable.

Then I discovered a new mask that I'd forgotten that I had and, despite being the exact same mask as I was already using, it made a HUGE difference.

Enough difference that I could begin to address some of the other issues.

I use nasal pillows and am no longer keeping my mouth shut so I need new solutions.

I certainly agree with you that mouth taping is not an option. (for me at least)

I've been using my dressing gown cord (towelling) to keep my mouth shut for the past week or so while I figured out what else to do and while I wait for a chin strap to be delivered. (Not sure if that will work yet)

For me the nasal pillows leaked a lot less and also enabled me to turn the pressure down a point or two and still get the same effect so I don't want to go back to a full face mask.

It seems that for most people the mask is the most problematic and important part of the whole picture. If they can get that sorted the rest will follow.

https://myapnea.org/forum/what-is-a-reasonable-replacement-frequency-for-cpap-supplies/1#comment-23009

Your comment about current strategies and future concerns was rather profound Sierra and, as per usual, gave the nail a major headache.

It made me (an avowed CPAP hater) realise that the approach you are taking to CPAP and no doubt other areas of your life is critical to finding a partial solution to your most serious concern, how to manage these devices with diminished capacity.

It also convinced me that what you are doing for others through this forum is a vital aid in enabling them to do likewise.

I am talking about the urgent need to take control of our personal welfare and embrace (shudder) the machinery and technology that we are becoming so dependent on to the extent that we are able to understand it and manage it so well that we will still be able to function through simple comprehension and habit well past the stage where, without these skills, we would be just another frustrated patient waiting for support that might not always be competent or easy to find.

In other words I think what you are doing Sierra, by offering well researched technical advice, with caution, is medically, legally, ethically and morally responsible and vital to those who feel able to benefit from it.

Who knows. If you keep up the good work I just might be converted to the 'for her' version with that pretty pink screen! :P

Hi Ruby,

I agree that my twisted humour carries some risks.

I am on the wrong side of the globe so the snoring was only for a few hours knowing that Sierra and other dependable responders would be back shortly.

My intervention was intended to encourage the poster to return but I acknowledge that I went over the top and had way too much fun.

My apologies to drlouigi

Friendly observations are well deserved Ruby, especially in this instance.

I note that you created some fun and meaningful threads a day or three back. (More of that twisted humour)

Perhaps you could do so again?

Ah but I'm a crotchety old man Ruby. The rules are different. :P

As for the pep talk about reading.....

I don't mind a few lines here and there but have you seen how much Sierra posts? :O

And I bet if I attempted to read it there would be just way too many big words!

Anyway it's way past my afternoon nap time!

Hi dottie1

I like the name. :)

There was a similar discussion just recently although I don't think world peace was actually achieved.
https://myapnea.org/forum/nasal-congestion-at-night

I was trying to understand the difference between the nasal sprays

There seem to be three general groups of nasal sprays

Saline solution that might help treat congestion and allergies?

Decongestant which certainly seems to treat congestion and allergies but shouldn't be used for more than a few days.

It works immediately but only for a few hours.

Steroidal which is also used to treat congestion and allergies but apparently works better if it is used all the time.

It should be taken a few hours prior to bed but it works all night.

I have been using the decongestant type but I read something that implied that the steroid one was a better option.

Which one works best?

You've got to stop throwing big words around Williminal!

It's getting late in my world and I'm struggling. :(

You're situation is interesting because in my mind it is on the edge of the drop-off point. If you could bring it back a few points you would be relatively safe but if it progresses the numbers will get worse along with the risks.

Digital scanning like the 3D printing industry uses?

Do you have fun gear like that?

I have pliers ..........

I could be your most challenging patient because I probably have an OSA count of about 90 by now. :)

Hi Williminal

This is a subject I know very little about (amongst many) but I do know that the hospitals want your O2 to be at least 95 so there is some impact if that is what you were looking for.

19 is moderately survivable so perhaps it takes higher numbers to impact significantly on O2 levels.

Having said that it is not a number to be ignored either because if you can't make some major changes it will almost certainly get worse.

Hi dmypub

My view is that knowledge is better than ignorance unless it causes you more stress.

I bought one of these recently and it seems to be reasonably accurate in the things I can cross reference.

It's only a toy but more fun than just an oximeter. (It downloads to Linkself which is available in android and apple)

https://www.dicksmith.com.au/da/buy/kogan-active-fitness-tracker/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_listing_ads&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7ovY84fx3wIVSCQrCh0nkA15EAQYASABEgJaI_D_BwE

I wonder why they didn't include the machine itself in that chart?

It's an interesting subject Sierra. One that I too have been pondering because it's part of taking better care of my budget, my equipment and myself.

I'm in much the same situation as yourself in that I have to pay for everything (except the machine) and at the moment I've switched to a machine I have paid for because the original Resmed 9 became too dangerous to use.

As well as considerations of cost I am conservative by nature so I agree that the lowest frequency generally makes the most sense.

However I think there would need to be scope for higher frequency in some circumstances because, as you have experienced, not all headgear is designed to function properly and some deteriorate more rapidly than others especially if you wash it too frequently. (which I did with my first one)

My first Philips Nuance nasal pillows mask lasted 2.5 years held together with staples and tape.

The second Philips Nuance lasted 1.5 years held together with twist ties.

I just switched to my third Philips Nuance and it makes a stupendous difference although it's exactly the same mask.

It seats and seals far more easily and leaks a lot less during the night and it feels more comfortable and more secure.

Yet I still consider the old mask to be functional, I used the first one for far longer, so what was wrong with the second one?

A bunch of little things. The elastic in the headgear has become a bit slack and the velcro isn't quite as sharp anymore and the cushions are not as bouncy as they used to be.

Each of those things on their own is relatively minor and, as you have implied, can be rectified with a little improvisation, but the overall effect was turning into a nightmare.

So yes annual replacement of most items would be a wonderful upgrade for me as long as there was scope for earlier replacement of badly designed gear.